Malaki Branham has agreed to a G League deal and is set to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ developmental affiliate, the Cleveland Charge, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Branham entered free agency after being waived by the Hornets soon after the February trade deadline.
Earlier, the Wizards had plans to include the 22-year-old guard in a large multi-team deal that would have sent him to Dallas as part of the Anthony Davis trade.
However, the Mavericks later restructured the transaction, ultimately directing Branham to Charlotte in a swap involving Tyus Jones.
During his time with Washington this season, Branham saw limited action, playing in 28 contests exclusively as a reserve.
He averaged 4.6 points and 1.6 rebounds across 9.8 minutes per game while posting shooting percentages of .473 from the field, .378 from three-point range, and .824 from the free-throw line.
He was in the final guaranteed season of his rookie contract, valued at just under $5 million.
Branham entered the league as the 20th overall selection in the 2022 draft following an impressive freshman campaign at Ohio State.
He spent his first two NBA seasons with San Antonio, where he occasionally started games, but his role diminished last season before he was traded to Washington in July.
ICYMI: Malaki Branham, a former first-round pick, has signed a G League contract and will reportedly join the Cavaliers’ affiliate. https://t.co/Tz4xDsI8VR
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 10, 2026
